YMCA offering youth sports in Ypsilanti
The Ann Arbor YMCA held its first-ever Ypsilanti youth basketball tournament on Saturday, January 30. Over 50 boys and girls ages 5-11 gathered at Ypsilanti High School to compete in a round robin tournament that included teams from both Adams and Chapelle Elementary School.
YMCA youth basketball tournament, January 30, Ypsilanti
The YMCA has been providing youth sports and recreation programs in Ypsilanti since August 2008, when we offered a two-week summer sports camp at Recreation Park. Since that time, we’ve added programs like youth flag football, youth basketball and cheerleading at Adams and Chapelle Elementary. The YMCA is currently offering youth basketball leagues at Adams and Chapelle through March of 2010. League participants practice at their schools once a week and attend three interschool tournaments throughout the season.
The goal of YMCA youth programs is to help kids build confidence in their own abilities and instill a lifelong passion for physical activity. What makes YMCA sports programs unique is our emphasis on teamwork, rather than winning. As a charitable organization, the YMCA raises donations each year that make it possible for us to offer these programs at very low cost to participants’ families.
According to Steve Petty, YMCA Sports Director, "We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive response to our after school programs. Upwards of 70 kids are participating at each school, and members of the Ypsilanti community and parents are volunteering as team coaches and referees. Parents are engaged in the program and the kids are able to get more physically active. Programs like this bring communities together, and everybody benefits.”
The YMCA has opportunities for volunteer coaches and referees in our Ypsilanti programs. If you’re interested in volunteering and/or registering your child in the program, please contact Steve Petty at (734) 661-8018 or at spetty@annarborymca.org.
Marcia Luke-van Dijk is Communications Director at the Ann Arbor YMCA. She can be reached at mlvd@annarborymca.org
Comments
Tony Nam
Wed, Feb 10, 2010 : 2:48 p.m.
As a lifelong resident of Washtenaw County, I'm proud that the Y is helping its neighbors. The programs, staff and principals in the Ypsilanti School District, not to mention the kids and families, should be commended. Kids need to play. Let's help this program continue to grow and in the end, we will be helping these kids, families, and the community!
Sharon Swindell
Wed, Feb 10, 2010 : 12:10 p.m.
As a pediatrician in the area, I am thrilled that the YMCA is providing this opportunity for fun, teamwork, and physical activity!